Buda, including Obuda (old Buda), is far smaller and quieter than Pest and is famous for being the historical part of the city. The Buda area is hilly and dotted with forests which add to the charm of its old winding streets, towered over by the Castle on the main hill. Other than the Royal Palace, tourists and locals alike flock to this side of town for a spot of relaxation at the famous Turkish-style baths at the bottom of Gellert Hill. The building which houses the baths is luxurious and ornate and the complex of hot springs, indoor and outdoor pools and saunas is enough to keep you entertained for the whole day. Buda is not only a place for history and relaxation though; there are an increasing number of bars and entertainment venues that have the younger population travelling over the river to party, particularly during the Sziget Music Festival.

Pest is the larger, more sprawling side of town and suffers far more traffic, hustle and bustle. That is not to say that Pest doesn’t have its own charming, historical areas too though. Heroes Square, the Hungarian Parliament on the riverside, Andrassy Avenue and the beautiful historical centre and shopping area – Belvaros, are all well-worth a visit. The fantastic Budapest Spring Festival is another huge draw to this side of town and hotels near to the event book up well in advance so don’t miss out if you wish to attend this exciting cultural celebration.

Despite countless attacks on this capital city during the Second World War and the Hungarian Revolution, Budapest has stood the test of time and, although it bears the scars of the past, it remains one of the most impressive European cities in terms of architecture and was awarded the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Budapest is a beautiful city which is attracting an increasing amount of visitors every year thanks to its affordable accommodation options and cheap cost of living. Anyone who has been lucky enough to visit the Hungarian capital will tell you – there is no better place in Central Europe for a quick getaway with that special someone.

When arriving in a country where you don’t speak the language and have no hope of understanding the signs, it’s tempting to fork out for a taxi from the airport to whisk you to your accommodation without any hassle. This isn’t really necessary in Budapest though as local public transport here is very efficient and extremely cheap! You can just hop on a bus (not the airport shuttle) and then take the blue metro line into the town centre.
As far as accommodation is concerned, apartments are the best way to go in Budapest as they give you the opportunity to make the most of the low cost of living, buying food and alcohol in supermarkets like the locals rather than paying top dollar in a restaurant. There are plenty of apartments for rent near to the Central Market Hall which offer the perfect combination of independence and a great central location. And what with the market so nearby, you can buy some great fresh produce for next to nothing and prepare delicious meals in the comfort of your own “home”. Another good option is to book an apartment near to Margaret Island as the surroundings are likely to be quiet and attractive.
If walking is your thing, you will be delighted with some of the free guided tours that are on offer in Budapest! There is a free Jewish Quarter walking tour which departs from in front of the Gerbeaud Café at half past three on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and covers the Hungarian Jews’ religious traditions and takes you through synagogues and cemeteries. This walking tour is free but the guides welcome any tips offered. There are other similar walking tours on offer like the Budapest Walking Tour and the Communist Walking Tour. Go to the Tourist Information Office for more info.

For cheap eats head to the Central Market Hall where you can try all kinds of delicious local cuisine at the food stands and bask in the aromas, sights and sounds of this bustling indoor market. For dessert, check out Cafe Europa (near to Margaret Island) who’s cakes are notoriously good and cheap.
Citadella and Margaret Island are always good free sights on sunny days and invest in a Budapest Card for discounts on museum admissions and indoor activities.

Don’t be intimidated by the “foreigness” of Budapest and succumb to the temptation of staying safely on the beaten tourist track; stay at a local apartment, use public transport and shop like a local.